Mechanica Pressure load question

I'm not sure if Mechanica questions are fair game, so if you know of a
Mechanica forum, please pass on that link.

Here's my real question:

We have Fluent CFD results that output a pressure distribution on a
component immersed in a flow. Currently we have constructed piecewise
approximate equations that are input into Mechanica as function-driven
pressure loads.

I would like to find a more direct way to apply the pressure data from
Fluent into Mechanica, preferably using a data-driven method, but I am
also open to other methods.

Thanks,

Dave

 

The big question, I think, is how a program doing CFD and a program doing
structural analysis or motion analysis can communicate. In looking in the
help files for point load transfer, I got references to Mechanism Design as
some kind of intermediary to structural analysis. Possibly vectored point
array imported into MD? Can Fluent export such a thing? Maybe searching the
PTC website for Fluent/CFD references.

Sorry I can't be more help.

David Janes

 

Thanks David.

I talked with the Fluent guys and they said it was very reasonable to
export the pressure distribution as a set of discrete force vectors,
presumably just the resolution of the element face and output pressure
value.

I will look into the MD possibility. It seems Mechanica has little in
the way of importing load inputs.

Dave

 

As to the last point ~ what Pro-e/Mechanica can import ~ I've heard of an
Excel analysis. Wouldn't be surprised if this was the conduit to get the
data into Mechanica. Although, this may also require formulas to be set up
there. I'd search on Excel Analysis because the array data you're talking
about, including vector data, would fit perfectly in an Excel spreadsheet.

I've found, in data translation, especially, that having comparable
coordinate systems in the receiving (Pro/e) models as in the originating
models is important. More so, if the analysis requires you to select
receiving model geometry to which the analysis will be applied.
Pro/MECHANICA is easily confused on just this score. If you don't have one
set up in your Pro/e model that mimics the one in your CFD model, you may
need to create a csys to select as your geometry reference in Pro/M. I
think, if you do it right, the Fluent data should come in as a bunch of
points on surface, with vectored loads attached. Which may be subject to
some kind of dynamic analysis in MDX. I'm really just guessing or imagining
how it might work, given the fact that MDX is a repackaged Mechanica Motion.

David Janes

 

I'll look into that. Pro/Mechanica structure doesn't have any such
import tool, except for importing temperature distributions.

Pretty much anything is better, because currently we're making
approximate equations for the pressure distribution and entering it
into Pro/M using Pressure loads based on equation. It's not much fun
and very error-prone. Fortunately the component in question is
cantilevered and isn't sensitive to local pressure loads - mostly we
need the pressure to translate to the proper bending moments at the
supported end.

I'll post up my summary of results, if any. )

Dave